We look like you. Your society keeps coming up with names to label us.
Most of you are comfortable using the term “hearing-impaired.”
Eh, it’s not wrong, but all it does is distract you from the painful fact that, historically, we once were categorized as “Deaf and Dumb/Deaf and Mute.”
I mean, if someone says that they’re Hard-of-Hearing, call them that. If someone says they’re Deaf, then do NOT say hearing-impaired. Is that clear enough?
A Chattanooga-raised deaf adult who has experienced countless nonsensical and illogical barriers/discriminations in your city is directly speaking to y’all on this platform: writing.
If we choose to express ourselves in our natural accent/sign language or cannot understand your verbal responses promptly, it is common to immediately assume that we are uneducated and unable to talk about stuff intellectually.
Or some of y’all live in blissful ignorance, like “oMg, HoW BeAuTifuL iS sIgN lAnGuAgE?!?”
More than ever, it’s convenient to avoid/ignore deaf individuals out in the public spaces yet fetishize sign language over social media, music interpreters, and whatever else is trending.
Please don’t come to us saying that you wish you knew sign language. There are tutorials at your fingertips. Be assertive.
However, if you’re already learning ASL, please do not expect the red carpet to be rolled out for you when you wanna show off your ABCs to fully grown signers. Just a tad awkward.I already learned the ABC song at 3 years old, you know?
From now on, when you accidentally approach a d/Deaf/HoH person not knowing his/her/their hearing loss, don’t abandon and run away!
Thank you, NOOGAtoday, for acknowledging that d/Deaf/HoH people exist, even in Chattanooga.
Y’all can do the same.
— A Deaf Chattanoogan
Share the message. 👇
NEWS NOTES
Weather ○ 77º | Sunny | 0% chance of rain ☀️
ComingSoon ○ East Brainerd’s Goodwill location (7601 Brainerd Rd.) is reopening its newly-renovated store to the public on April 9, a year after a tornado destroyed it. Later this year, a new Job Connection Center will open adjacent to the retail store to provide job training, counseling, and work opportunities.
NowOpen ○Nashville-based restaurantParty Fowl opened at the Hamilton Place mall on Mon., April 5. The restaurant serves authentic Nashville hot chicken, local brews + boozy slushies for adults. You can visit them in the former Bar Louie location (2100 Hamilton Place Blvd.) 🍗
Closing ○ The owner of well-known Fort Oglethorpe shoe shop, Sear’s Shoe Store, announced that the store will be closing its doors. A liquidation sale for the family-owned business that originated in downtown + East Chattanooga will begin on Thurs., April 8. 👞 (Chattanoogan.com)
Coronavirus ○ The Hamilton County Health Department has administered 100,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Since the first dose of the vaccine was dispensed, 30.05% of Hamilton County’s population has received at least one dose + 17.69% is fully vaccinated.
Biz ○ Chattanooga’s 1 Million Cups chapter — part of a national program that connects + educates local entrepreneurs — now has a new volunteer leadership team. The team consists of five local entrepreneurs Aram Perez, Kirk Burton, Lya Kimbrough, Nicole McDermid, and Zac Beker.
State ○ In recognition of April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Tennessee’s state capitol will light up in teal blueApril 16-18. Through the Office of Criminal Justice Programs, federal funding is also being given to 22 agencies throughout the state that serve survivors of sexual assault. 💙
WaterCooler ○ The Chattanooga Red Wolves announced that the team is signing its first Red Wolves Academy — the team’s youth soccer club — player. Cristian Zaragoza, is currently a senior at Dalton High School + is also committed to play collegiate soccer at North Carolina State University in the fall.
FeelGood ○ On April 4, The Union Gospel Missiondonated Easter dinner to people experiencing homelessness due to the Patten Tower fire. Tables were set up on MLK Blvd, Georgia Ave, + Houston St to hand out meals for those in need. (NewsChannel 9)
Finance ○ Looking for a better cash-back card so you can start planning your first big post-vaccine vacation? 🙋 Meet2021’s highest paying cash back card, which offers up to 3% cashback, a $200 bonus offer, 0% interest for 15 months + no annual fee. Expert Greg Go says it’s “the best deal I’ve seen.” Ⓟ
Featured Deal ○ Refine Aesthetic Studio | Free DiamondGlow Facial with purchase of minimum $150 in skincare | Use code SummerGlow at checkout | Expires April 30Ⓟ
Click the button below for local resources regarding the coronavirus.
☀️The Get Off the Grid Fest is scheduled for August 20-22. ☀️It will feature live music, eco-friendly vendors, and workshops led by well-known climate change activists. ☀️Organizers are hosting a mini-festival on April 18 from 12-9 p.m at Crabtree Farms to promote the main event.
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Arts ○ Spring Break Family Day | Tues., April 6 | 1-3 p.m. | Painting With a Twist, 1309 Panorama Dr. | $28 per person | Take part in this artistic family get together by recreating a painting made by one of the studio artists. 🎨
Cause ○ Caregiver Support Group | Tues., April 6 | 10-11 a.m. + 4-5 p.m. | Hospice of Chattanooga, virtual | Free, RSVP | This support group was formed for people serving as the primary caregiver for a loved one. ❤️
Show ○ Moon Change Quartet | Tues., April 6 | 7 p.m. | Chattanooga Theatre Centre | $5-$10 | The local Moon Change Quartet will perform at the Theatre Centre’s cocktail lounge-converted patio. 🎵
PlanAhead ○ Crayola-graphy 101 | Wed., April 7 | 6-7 p.m. | The Chattery, virtual | $20 | Learn how to create beautiful lettering without the fancy calligraphy pens — this class will teach you how with just the markers you have at home. 🖊️ ○ Selecting Interior and Exterior Doors | Thurs., April 8 | 6-7:45 p.m. | Women Repair Zone, virtual | $20-$25, payment required before April 7 | Learn about the different types of door styles, how to select what best fits your needs, how to rate a contractor, and more. 🔨 ○ 3D Comedy Open Mic | Thurs., April 8 | 8-10 p.m. | JJ’s Bohemia | $6 | Watch 10 comedians perform at this outdoor, open mic comedy event. Masks are required and temperature checks will be done at the door. This event is 21 and up. 🤣
Disclaimer: It is up to readers’ discretion to determine whether they feel comfortable participating in any mentioned events based on COVID-19 protocols and precautions. If you have questions, please contact the event’s organizers directly.
In case you missed it — our new fellow editors at NASHtoday just sent their first newsletter, and we couldn’t be happier to welcome another Tennessee market to the family. 💚
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